Report: A’s Not Giving Up Pursuit of Kyler Murray
Kyler Murray announced Monday he's committed to becoming an NFL quarterback, but the A's aren't ready to give up their pursuit of the star, reports The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal.
According to Rosenthal, the team still wants to offer Murray a contract above his now-forfeited $4.66 million signing bonus. The contract wouldn't be limited like the NFL's rookie wage scale.
The former Oklahoma quarterback Murray declared for the NFL draft in January, but announced he will pursue the NFL instead of MLB on Monday. He starred in both sports for Oklahoma and was the No. 9 pick in the MLB draft in June 2018.
Murray, this season's Heisman winner, was weighing a future in the NFL or playing for the Oakland A's organization. Before Monday's announcement, he had been quiet, dodging direct questions on which sport he would choose.
He led the Sooners to a 12-1 record and a berth in the College Football Playoff by throwing for 4,053 yards and 40 touchdowns. He also ran for 892 yards and 11 touchdowns. Oklahoma lost to Alabama in the semifinals. Last spring, Murray was a star centerfielder with a .296 batting average and 10 home runs.
The scouting combine begins Feb. 26 in Indianapolis, while the NFL draft starts April 25 in Nashville.
